How to get more involved in your child's school

Remember your first few years of school? This is your chance to relive the best of them: field days and school carnivals, science experiments, painting and gluing and all things crafty. Wait — there's more. Getting involved in your child's education will give you access to teachers and administrators and keep you informed about school activities and policies.

How will my child benefit if I get involved in her school?

Being an involved parent is the best thing you can do for your child's education. Children whose parents participate in their school have higher grades and test scores and better attendance, and are more likely to be well adjusted and enjoy school, according to a report from the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the National Coalition for Parental Involvement in Education (NCPIE). The U.S. Department of Education and the National Committee for Citizens in Education also report that children of involved parents achieve more in school.

What are the best ways to get involved in my child's school?

Get to know the right peopleTeachers, principals, coaches, and school activity coordinators should be at the top of your mingle list. Try to attend your school's open house or arrange a time when you can stop by and introduce yourself. Let them know you want to be involved in school events, and give them contact information. Find out more information about who to know at school.

Volunteer in classMost teachers welcome help from parents. At the beginning of the year, tell your child's teacher you are interested in lending a hand, and remind her periodically when you have time to help. Even if you work full time and can't commit to a regular schedule, you can still volunteer. "Don't just say, 'I'm working full time so I can't do anything,'" says Trudy Carpenter, director of special services for the Ledyard public school district in Connecticut. Offer to prepare materials for class projects at home or call other parents about an upcoming event. See these tips on being a class volunteer.

Be a room mother or fatherMany teachers use a parent or two throughout the year to plan class activities and parties, keep communications clear, and organize car pools. This can be more of a commitment than volunteering once in a while, but there's no better way to get to know the teacher and other parents.

Join the PTALocal parent teacher associations or organizations (called PTAs or PTOs) are open to all interested parents. PTA/PTO membership will give you a chance to meet other parents, raise funds for projects and materials at your child's school and, in some cases, lobby the school district for changes. Contact your child's school and ask for the name and number of the president of your local unit or the school's PTA or PTO teacher liaison. If your school can't provide PTA or PTO contacts, call your state's PTA or PTO office or the National PTA membership department. Learn more about joining a PTA.

Form a network with other parentsOther parents are your best source of information about your child's school, and together you can form a strong advocacy group. Sue Ferguson, chair of the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, recommends setting up a parent center. If the school doesn't already have a meeting and information place for parents, ask about getting one. The center can be anywhere — in a corner of the main office, in a private room, or even backstage in the school auditorium. The space can serve as an unmanned information center with brochures, updates, minutes from PTA meetings, fliers about upcoming events, contact numbers, and more, or a place for parents to meet after school or in the evenings. See our ideas about how to meet and network with parents.

Share your talentsIf you're a musician, volunteer to perform for a school event or help out with music classes. If you're an artist, share some of your work in the school cafeteria or in classrooms. If you're knowledgeable about a subject that children find interesting, see if you can come in as a guest speaker. If you're handy with a saw and hammer, ask whether you're needed to help fix something or lead a carpentry project in class. If you have technical skills, set up the class email list or help with the school Web site. Whatever your expertise, call the school office and offer your services.